It seems the global traveller has found a new compass that points not to neon lights or late-night lounges, but toward the quiet rustle of the bush, the crash of a distant waterfall, or the hum of a market untouched by TikTok filters.
A new Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey reveals that the seasoned globe-trotter is trading nightlife for mindfulness and phone screens for experiences that don’t require charging overnight. It’s less about the selfie and more about the soul.
“Travellers are looking for genuine experiences that help them feel more connected to the world and less tethered to technology,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “People aren’t just going places — they’re seeking meaning, restoration and perspective.”
In other words, the modern wanderer wants more heart, less hype.
Nature and Nostalgia Win the Day
When asked what drives destination choice, 35% of respondents placed natural beauty at the top, edging out iconic attractions (27%) and cultural experiences (23%). In a world that’s been GPS-mapped, Google-reviewed and Instagram-exhausted, that’s a radical shift.
Interestingly, women were more likely than men to be drawn to authentic community and culture (26% versus 21%), while non-US travellers showed a stronger tilt toward nature (37% versus 34% among Americans).
In short, the cliché of the backpacker chasing the party has given way to the mature traveller chasing peace — sometimes literally, in the form of a forest walk or temple stay.
Unplugging: The New Luxury
Perhaps most tellingly, only a third of respondents said disconnecting from technology was “unimportant.” For everyone else, the chance to ditch the digital leash is increasingly prized.
Among women and international travellers, the urge to unplug is stronger, with 35% and 38%, respectively, saying it’s a significant priority. It’s not hard to see why: Wi-Fi fatigue has replaced jet lag as the modern traveller’s ailment.
The message is clear — if you’re designing a resort, forget the nightclub and start planting trees.
Goodbye Glitter, Hello Gravitas
The survey reveals a decisive rejection of glossy modernity. A striking 75% of respondents said they prefer destinations rich in historic significance over those with a sleek, modern vibe. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they seek hidden gems rather than famous landmarks, with women and non-US travellers (both at 68%) leading the charge off the beaten track.
And nightlife? Well, that candle’s flickering. Only 2% said nightlife significantly influences destination choice, while nearly half (46%) said it doesn’t matter.
“The data show a decisive shift toward self-enrichment and sustainability over stimulation,” Richards added. “Quiet, history-rich and culturally authentic destinations are winning over travellers who want depth, not distraction.”
It’s as if the global holidaymaker has collectively traded cocktails for contemplation. The bucket list, it seems, now includes mindfulness.
When Even the Eclipse Doesn’t Impress
Even celestial spectacles are taking a backseat. Just 4% of respondents plan to travel to Europe’s northern regions to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse. Women and international travellers, ever the more adventurous set, edge slightly higher at 6%.
The rest appear content to let the heavens perform without booking a flight, proof that the world’s wanderers have grown selective, even spiritual, in their journeys.
Trekking Over Tech
When it comes to activities, the simple pleasures reign supreme. Hiking and trekking (50%) now top the motivation list, followed by hunting and fishing (35%) and SCUBA or snorkelling (23%). Women outpace men in hiking and wellness pursuits (58%), while men still lean toward rugged overlanding and angling adventures.
It’s an interesting moment for the tourism industry. Tour operators who once sold “exclusive access” and “infinite connectivity” might soon find that what travellers want most is a patch of earth, a bit of sky, and no password required.
A Return to Real Travel
For all its data and percentages, the survey captures something beautifully human: a global yearning to reconnect with what travel used to mean. A journey, after all, was once about getting lost, not getting a signal.
The next time a traveller chooses the mountains over the minibar, remember this: the great escape has always been about perspective, not nightlife.
By Prae Lee – (c) 2025
Read Time: 6 minutes
About the Writer
You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle a busy Bangkok morning. Prae Lee doesn’t rush; she glides through it. There’s a calm certainty about her, the sort that comes from knowing where you come from and where you’re going.
Educated at Chulalongkorn University, she took her business degree with the quiet pride of someone who believes in doing things correctly. Her travels for further study in Singapore and Australia didn’t change her; they polished what was already there: curiosity, discipline, and grace.
She returned to her family business in Bangkok, breathing a little modern life into it. She handled social media with the intuition of someone who listens and sells with the gentle persistence that the Thais do so well.
Prae doesn’t make a fuss, but everything she touches shines brighter.
Now part of the Global Travel Media family, Prae brings authenticity and quiet confidence to her writing, drawing from a life steeped in culture, travel, and connection.
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